Young Minds have a number of blogs to support you if you are worried about coronavirus including advice for young people and tips for parents and carers.

Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health

42nd Street, a charity supporting young people in Greater Manchester, are now able to provide online group and one-to-one support for young people aged 13-25. To find out how to access services click here.

The NHS's Every Mind Matters website provides advice and practical tips to help look after your mental health and wellbeing, including topics specific to wellbeing during coronavirus.

Bereavement Support

Being cut off from family, friends and communities because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is difficult for everyone, but especially for children, young people and families who are grieving for a loved one.

Winston’s Wish is an organisation, which can provide bereavement support during coronavirus. They have a selection of resources you may find useful to support children and young people struggling with bereavement and also operate a support service that can be accessed via telephone, email or text. More information can be found on their website.

Returning to school after someone has died

How your child’s return to school is managed is very important in helping them settle back in after a difficult time. Here are some tips:

Talk to the school: Before your child goes back call the school and ask to speak to either the child’s Form Tutor, Manager of Character and Culture or Wellbeing Lead. Tell the school what your child knows. It’s important that we understand what your child knows about the death and also who else knows. It maybe that other children have heard about the death if it’s been in the media or is known about in the community. This is particularly important if the death was traumatic or the cause of death has not been determined.

Speak to your child: Tell your child that you have spoken to the school, reassure your child that they are not being talked about but that other people need to know because they care and want to help them.

Come in a little earlier on the first day: On the first day back to school try to come in early so that you can avoid being part of a crowd outside school, this also gives you a chance to discuss any of your concerns with a teacher. If your child is feeling unsteady about returning you can bring them to school and ask to speak to their Manager of Character and Culture or Wellbeing. We will highlight to them safe places in school where they can receive support if needed.

Keep in touch with the school: On your child’s first day back it can be useful to ask us to give you a call if we’re concerned or to just let you know how your child has been. It’s really important that we pass positive messages as well as constructive messages.

Keep the school informed as times goes on: Let the school know if there are any changes to circumstances at home or if your child seems to be struggling more than usual, this way we can keep a look out for any changes in behaviour as well as be understanding of your child’s circumstances.

Don’t expect too much: We will let your child ease back into school work, even though we always challenge our students academically, we will accommodate for their loss. We will set achievable targets. By home and school working together, communicating well, will ease any distress for you and your child, additionally easing pressure they may be feeling around school work.

Going back to school after someone has died can be difficult for everyone. For more guidance please feel free to contact our Wellbeing Lead who will be happy to provide further support.

You can also contact MEA’s Wellbeing Lead, Ms Evason via the Academy who can offer signposting, guidance and support on wellbeing matters during school hours.